Keepsake vessel having removable locket therein

ABSTRACT

A keepsake vessel having an internal memorabilia compartment for the placement, display and storage of a removable locket container therein which contains personal effects and mementos of loved ones. The effects and mementos in the locket can be moved from a concealed storage position in the vessel to a display position exterior of the vessel for viewing by the user, by means of attachment means mounted within the memorabilia compartment, and detachably engageable with and connected to the locket. The locket is accessible by means of a slit or aperture on an exterior of the keepsake vessel, whereby the attachment means connected to the locket can be moved from the concealed storage position to assume a display position exterior of the keepsake vessel for viewing of the locket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to keepsake vessels and more particularly to a locket and keepsake vessel with a memorabilia compartment forming a part thereof, for storage of the locket therein which contains personal effects and mementos of loved ones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently keepsake vessels, whether fabricated from wood, metal or plastic, do not adequately provide any designated, easily accessible, receptacle or compartment for either the placement of personal effects of loved ones therein or the inclusion therein of mementos by the user. There is accordingly a need for a unique, improved keepsake vessel having an internal memorabilia compartment for the placement, display and storage of a removable locket therein which uniquely contains personal effects and mementos of loved ones, wherein the locket can be moved from a concealed storage position in the keepsake vessel to a display position exterior of the keepsake vessel, by means of attachment means detachably engageable with the locket, for viewing and remembrance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved, unique locket for the placement, display and storage of personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the user.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved, unique locket for the placement, display and storage of personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the user, and which utilizes a framing member so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the locket.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved keepsake vessel having an integral memorabilia compartment for the placement, display and storage of a removable locket therein which contains personal effects and mementos. The memorabilia compartment is configured in the keepsake vessel so as to provide convenient access to the user for placement and removal of the locket therein and to provide display of the personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the user, when the locket is removed.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved keepsake vessel wherein the removable locket which contains the personal effects and mementos can be moved from the concealed storage position to a display position exterior of the keepsake vessel for viewing by the user, by means of attachment means engaged with and connected to the locket.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket may be opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, an inner recessed rim, the rim being elevated from the inner surface and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the first portion and the second portion; and a framing member defining a substantially hollow interior therein positioned within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion, an outer circumference of the framing member being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the inner recessed rim, whereby the framing member can be positioned within either of the first portion and the second portion so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the locket.

A still further aspect of the present invention relates to a locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket maybe opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, an inner recessed rim, the inner recessed rim being elevated from the inner surface and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the first portion and the second portion; a framing member defining a substantially hollow interior therein positioned within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion, an outer circumference of the framing member being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the inner recessed rim, whereby the framing member can be positioned within either of the first portion and the second portion so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the locket; and a cover portion, whereby the cover portion can be positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion so as to substantially cover the inner surface thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket may be opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, an inner recessed rim, the rim being elevated from the inner surface and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the first portion and the second portion; and a cover portion, whereby the cover portion can be positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion so as to substantially cover the inner surface thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket may be opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, an inner recessed rim and an upper rim, wherein the upper rim forms an upper surface of the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the inner recessed rim is elevated from the inner surface and recessed from the upper rim, and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the upper rim; a framing member defining a substantially hollow interior therein positioned within the inner surface so as to abut an inside surface of the inner recessed rim, an outer circumference of the framing member being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the inner recessed rim, whereby the framing member can be positioned within either of the first portion and the second portion so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the locket; and a cover portion, whereby the cover portion can be positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion, wherein, when the cover portion is positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion, the cover portion conceals substantially all of the inner surface, the framing member and the inner recessed rim of the respective first or second portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keepsake vessel having a removable locket therein comprising a shell having a slit or aperture integrally formed as part of the shell, the removable locket being positioned within the shell through the slit or aperture and containing personal effects and mementos; and attachment means being mounted within the shell and connected to the removable locket, the attachment means being moveable to and between a display position and a storage position, the display position providing access outside of the shell to the removable locket, and the storage position providing concealed storage of the removable locket placed inside the shell.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keepsake vessel having a removable locket therein comprising a shell, the removable locket being positioned within the shell through the slit or aperture and containing personal effects and mementos; a cap closeable upon the removable locket, the cap being integrally connected to the shell, said cap being moveable to and between an open position and a closed position; and attachment means being mounted within the shell and connected to the removable locket, the attachment means being moveable to and between a display position and a storage position, the display position providing access outside of the shell to the removable locket, and the storage position providing concealed storage of the removable locket placed inside the shell.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket may be opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, and a rim portion, the rim portion being elevated from the inner surface; and a lipped portion attached to the rim portion, whereby the lipped portion can retain personal effects and mementos placed within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the locket.

The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved locket for the placement, display and storage of personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the user, and which utilizes a framing member so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the locket.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved keepsake vessel with an integral memorabilia compartment for the placement, display and storage of a removable locket therein which contains personal effects and mementos. The memorabilia compartment is configured in the keepsake vessel so as to provide convenient access to the user for placement of the removable locket therein and to provide display of the personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the user, and wherein the locket which contains the personal effects and mementos can be moved from the concealed storage position to a display position exterior of the keepsake vessel for viewing by the user, by means of attachment means detachably engaged with and connected to the locket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a keepsake vessel of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of an opening to the internalized memorabilia compartment in the keepsake vessel of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the attachment means of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the attachment means as shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates the attachment means being connected at one end to the internalized memorabilia compartment; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the locket of the present invention, in the open position, and which illustrates the framing member inserted within the locket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and as seen in the example given in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the present invention is a keepsake vessel 1, such as a plush toy animal or doll (as illustrated in FIG. 1), having a memorabilia compartment therein (not shown) for the placement, display and storage of a removable locket therein which contains personal effects and mementos of loved ones, though it is conceivable that various other designs and other forms of keepsake vessels could be used, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In one embodiment (not shown) of the present invention an exterior surface of the shell features a cap or cover closeable upon the memorabilia compartment, the cap or cover being integrally connected to the shell, and being moveable to and between an open position and a closed position. In a further embodiment, the cap or cover is hingedly connected to the shell. Attachment means (shown in FIG. 4) are mounted within the memorabilia compartment, at one end, and another end is connected to the locket, the attachment means being moveable to and between a display position and a storage position, the display position providing access outside of the memorabilia compartment to the locket, and the storage position providing concealed storage of the locket placed inside the memorabilia compartment of the shell.

In a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 2, the present invention comprises a shell 2 having a front panel 3 and rear panel 5 each defined by edge portions which are connected together along a substantial length thereof to form the shell 2, leaving a portion unconnected so as to provide a slit or opening between the panels, as hereinafter described. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the front 3 and rear panels 5 are substantially connected together along edge portions thereof so as to form the shell 2, the shell 2 having a slit or aperture 7 integrally formed therein (through the unconnected portion of the front panel and the rear panel), and which provides access to a memorabilia compartment 11 positioned within the shell 2. Preferably, the front panel 3 or rear panel 5 comprise a non-overlapping single piece of material (which is then connected to the opposed panel) having an opening defined therein. It should be noted that it is also possible for the front panel to be comprised of overlapping plies of material.

Generally, the shell material used in constructing the keepsake vessel can be plastic, ceramic, metal, wood or a textile material, though it is conceivable that other variations such as glass or porcelain, could be used. It is also to be understood that the memorabilia compartment 11 within the shell 2, and the shell itself, can be adapted to accommodate varying sizes of any locket placed therein.

As noted previously herein, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, attachment means 13 are mounted on an interior surface of the memorabilia compartment 1 1, the attachment means 13 being moveable to and between a display position and a storage position; the display position providing access to the user for attaching personal effects and mementos to the attachment means for viewing by the mourners and loved ones, and the storage position providing concealed storage of the personal effects and mementos placed in the memorabilia compartment. Of course, the attachment means which are mounted within the memorabilia compartment are accessible through the memorabilia receiving opening 7 positioned on the exterior surface of the shell 2.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIG. 4, the attachment means 13 comprises a first end 15 and a second end 17, the first end 15 being connected or sewn to an interior surface of the memorabilia compartment 11, and the second end 17 being connected to a securing device such as a clamp or clip or ring 21 detachably attached to the locket, it being understood that various other designs and forms of securing devices could also be used, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Of course, if the locket containing the effects and mementos are to be removed or replaced from the clamp or clip or ring 21, it can be, in a preferred embodiment, detached and removed.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means 13 can, preferably, be made of textile or other fabric like material (and could be presented as a “string” or “rope” of material, for example) one end of which is sewn into an interior surface of the memorabilia compartment 11), and the other end being detachably connected or attached, by means of the material, with reference to FIG. 3, being “looped” 55 to clamp or clip or ring 21, which is, of course, connected to the locket (not shown). Of course, when the locket is to be used in the display position, the attachment means 13 and the locket (not shown) connected thereto are removed through the slit or aperture 7, whereby the locket is positioned outside of the memorabilia compartment 11 and exterior to an outer surface of the shell 2.

With reference to FIG. 5, the present invention comprises a locket 23, having a first shell portion 25 connected to a second shell portion 27, and movable between open and closed positions. In a preferred embodiment, the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 are hingedly connected together 29. The first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 can be assisted in maintaining the closed position through use of a clasp 41, of conventional design, which may be utilized to maintain the lid in a closed position when desired, which inhibits the opening of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 from each other, but yet does not prevent the opening thereof, if required or desired. As can be seen in FIG. 5, one portion of the locket comprises a clasp end and the other portion of the locket further comprises a locket clasp, the locket clasp being adapted for connection to the clasp end, whereby, when the locket clasp and the clasp end are connected, the locket can be placed in a closed position.

With reference to FIG. 5, the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 may also preferably comprise, in a further embodiment, an attachment ring 77, which can provide for attachment to the securing device such as a clamp or clip or ring 21 shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment of the locket, and with reference to FIG. 5, each of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 contains an inner surface 31 and an outer surface (not shown) which forms an outside of the locket 23. Each of the first portion 25 and the second portion 27 further comprises an upper rim 37, the upper rim 37 forming an upper surface of the first portion 25 and the second portion 27, and an inner recessed rim 33, which is elevated from the inner surface 31 and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the first shell portion and the second shell portion. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface 31 of the first portion 25 and the second portion 27 is concave. In an alternative embodiment of the locket, each of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 can utilize an upper rim and a lipped portion (not shown) attached thereto which is elevated from the inner surface, whereby pictures, personal effects and mementos can be retained therein by the lipped portion.

With further reference to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, such as when a picture or other memento of a loved one is placed within the shell portions, a framing member 35 defining a substantially hollow interior therein is positioned within the inner surface 31 of the first portion 25 and the second portion 27, an outer circumference of the framing member 35 being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the inner recessed rim 33, whereby the framing member 35 can be positioned within either of the first portion 25 and the second portion 27 so as to outline the personal effects, photos and mementos stored within the inner surface 31 of the locket. Of course, it will be understood that the framing member 35 can be inserted into only one of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 or both of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27.

In a preferred embodiment, the framing member is of a size which is slightly smaller, in circumference, than the inner recessed rim, so that when the framing member 35 is placed, it will closely abut, and from a very tight fit against, the inside surface of the recessed rim 33. In a preferred embodiment, the tight fitting framing member 35 can be detachably removed with, for example, a sharp implement or other utensil. The framing member 35 can, preferably, be made of glass or metal, and can, alternatively, be secured to the inside surface of the inner recessed rim 33 by welding, with a sealant such as glue, for example, or other means which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Obviously, if personal pictures and mementos were to be replaced from any of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27, the first shell portion 25 would be swung open, the framing member 35 would be removed (if not sealed in place by the sealant), and the personal effects and mementos removed from the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27. It will also be understood that either of the first shell portion 25 and the second shell portion 27 can have sufficient depth to accommodate pictures, personal effects and mementos placed therein.

In a preferred embodiment, a cover portion (not shown) can be positioned upon the inner recessed rim 33 of either of the first 25 and the second portion 27, wherein, when the cover portion is positioned upon the inner recessed rim 33 of any of the first 25 and the second portion 27, the cover portion conceals substantially all of the inner surface 31, the framing member 35 (if utilized in the locket) and the inner recessed rim 33 of the respective first or second portion. It will, of course, be understood that the inner recessed rim 33 of both (or only one) of the first 25 and the second portions 27 can be covered with the cover portion. It is also possible that a cover portion not be utilized at all. Preferably, the cover portion comprises a substantially complete flat sheet of material, a shape of the cover portion corresponding substantially to a shape of the inner recessed rim 33. When the cover portion is positioned upon the inner recessed rim 3 3 of any of the first 25 and the second portion 27, an upper surface of the first and the second portion upon which the cover portion is placed is substantially flat.

In one embodiment, the cover portion may be sealed upon the inner recessed rim 33 sealant with an adhesive (if, for example, the locket is used to contain ashes therein) or other sealant. In this manner, for example, personal effects of a loved one, such as the ashes of a deceased person, can be sealingly retained in the shell portions and sealed by the cover placed thereon. In an alternative embodiment, the cover portion can be transparent or translucent. In another embodiment, an outer surface of the cover portion can be engraved, if desired. It will, of course, be understood that outer surfaces of the locket, can be engraved also, if desired.

The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein 

1. A locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising: a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket maybe opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, an inner recessed rim, the inner recessed rim being elevated from the inner surface and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the first portion and the second portion; a framing member defining a substantially hollow interior therein positioned within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion, an outer circumference of the framing member being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the inner recessed rim, whereby the framing member can be positioned within either of the first portion and the second portion so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the locket; and a cover portion, whereby the cover portion can be positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion so as to substantially cover the inner surface thereof.
 2. The locket of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion is concave.
 3. The locket of claim 1, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion further comprises an upper rim, the upper rim forming an upper surface of the first portion and the second portion.
 4. The locket of claim 1, wherein the inner recessed rim is elevated from the inner surface and recessed from the upper rim of each of the first portion and the second portion.
 5. The locket of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises a substantially complete flat sheet of material, a shape of the cover portion corresponding substantially to a shape of the inner recessed rim.
 6. The locket of claim 1, wherein, when the cover portion is positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion, an upper surface of the first and the second portion upon which the cover portion is placed is substantially flat.
 7. The locket of claim 6, wherein, when the cover portion is positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion, the cover portion conceals substantially all of the inner surface of the respective first or second portion.
 8. The locket of claim 6, wherein the inner recessed rim of each of the first and the second portions can be covered with the cover portion.
 9. The locket of claim 6, wherein the cover portion is transparent or translucent.
 10. A locket for receiving and storing personal effects and mementos therein comprising: a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being joined together such that the locket maybe opened and closed, each of the first portion and the second portion having an inner surface and an outer surface which forms an outside of the locket, a peripheral edge, an inner recessed rim and an upper rim, wherein the upper rim forms an upper surface of the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the inner recessed rim is elevated from the inner surface and recessed from the upper rim, and having an outer circumference which is slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the upper rim; a framing member defining a substantially hollow interior therein positioned within the inner surface so as to abut an inside surface of the inner recessed rim, an outer circumference of the framing member being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of the inner recessed rim, whereby the framing member can be positioned within either of the first portion and the second portion so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored within the inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the locket; and a cover portion, whereby the cover portion can be positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion, wherein, when the cover portion is positioned upon the inner recessed rim of either of the first and the second portion, the cover portion conceals substantially all of the inner surface, the framing member and the inner recessed rim of the respective first or second portion.
 11. The locket of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are joined together by a hinge.
 12. The locket of claim 1, wherein one portion of the locket further comprises a clasp end and the other portion of the locket further comprises a locket clasp, the locket clasp being adapted for connection to the clasp end, whereby, when the locket clasp and the clasp end are connected, the locket can be placed in a closed position.
 13. The locket of claim 1, wherein the framing member is secured to the inside surface of the inner recessed rim by welding.
 14. The locket of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is made of glass or metal.
 15. The locket of claim 1, wherein the framing member is bonded by an adhesive to the inside surface of the inner recessed rim.
 16. The locket of claim 1, wherein the locket further comprises an attachment ring at an upper end thereof, whereby the locket can be connected to a chain or necklace.
 17. A keepsake vessel comprising: a body portion having a slit or aperture integrally formed as part of the body portion, which provides access to a memorabilia compartment internally positioned within the body portion; a removable locket containing personal effects and mementos being positioned within the memorabilia compartment through the slit or aperture, the removable locket comprising a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell being joined together such that the removable locket maybe opened and closed, each of the first shell and the second shell having an inner surface thereof which is concave, a peripheral edge, and an outer surface which forms an outside of the removable locket, and a framing member defining a substantially hollow interior therein positioned within the first shell and the second shell, an outer circumference of the framing member being slightly smaller than an outer circumference of either of the first shell and the second shell, whereby the framing member can be positioned within either of the first shell and the second shell so as to outline the personal effects and mementos stored in the removable locket; and attachment means being mounted within the body portion and connected to the removable locket, the removable locket being moveable to and between a display position and a storage position, the display position providing access outside of the body portion to the removable locket, and the storage position providing concealed storage of the removable locket placed inside the body portion, wherein, when the removable locket is to be used in the display position, the attachment means and the removable locket connected thereto are removed through the slit or aperture, whereby the removable locket is positioned outside of the memorabilia compartment and exterior to an outer surface of the body portion.
 18. The keepsake vessel of claim 17, wherein the attachment means mounted within the memorabilia compartment is accessible through the memorabilia receiving opening, and wherein the shell is a plush toy animal or doll.
 19. The keepsake vessel of claim 17, wherein the attachment means further comprises a proximal end sewn into an interior surface of the body portion and a distal end detachably connectable to the removable locket.
 20. The keepsake vessel of claim 19, wherein the distal end of the attachment means is connected to a securing device, the securing device being detachably secured to the removable locket. 